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Gobert to direct corporate, foundation relations

by Emily Britton

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The executive director of the John A. Logan College Foundation is returning to her alma mater to direct corporate and foundation relations.

Jill Gobert, a 1990 marketing graduate of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, will assume responsibilities in her new role with the SIU Foundation on Jan. 8. She will coordinate fundraising activities, manage an assignment of donor prospects, engage in personal cultivation, and solicit funds for the University.

Gobert, who also received a master’s in business administration from Southern in 1998, served as a fundraiser at Southern for 10 years. Most recently, she was the director of development for the University’s College of Liberal Arts from 2000 to 2007, assisting the college in surpassing a campaign fundraising goal of $7.75 million one year ahead of schedule.

“I enjoyed serving John A. Logan College and embraced the unique and exciting challenges this position afforded me,” Gobert says, “but I have a long-standing devotion to SIU Carbondale, its alumni and donors. When I was presented with an opportunity to return to my alma mater, it was too intriguing to pass up.”

The JALC Foundation has flourished under Gobert’s leadership. In just over a year, Gobert reinstated the college’s alumni association, implemented a new advancement-focused database system and increased donations to scholarships and the general fund.

Jeff Lorber, associate vice chancellor for institutional advancement and executive director of development for the SIU Foundation, says Gobert’s professional experience and devotion to Southern will benefit the University.

“Jill is an accomplished and dedicated professional whose professional contributions have been an asset to our institution,” Lorber says. “I am pleased that she is returning to Southern. Her extensive background and knowledge will assist Southern’s quest to attain an even higher level of excellence.”

Gobert is a member of the SIU Alumni Association and the Southern Illinois Symphony Patron Committee. She resides in Carbondale with her husband, Daniel, and three children, David, Steven and Megan.